Kenny facing uphill struggle to get into Brooks' shows

Taoiseach Enda Kenny with his son Ferdia after completing the annual Ring of Kerry cycle in Killarney on Saturday evening. Picture: Eamonn Keogh (MacMonagle, Killarney). The Taoiseach could be one of the disappointed fans if Garth Brooks' gigs are cancelled.

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has revealed he was among the 160,000 disappointed fans that may not get to see Garth Brooks.

As pressure mounts on Dublin City Council to grant a licence for all five concerts, Mr Kenny said he hoped the stand-off could be resolved ahead of the concerts that were due to be held in Croke Park from July 25 to 29.

He said the situation hadn't been handled well, but he hoped common sense would prevail. "I hope something can be worked out here, obviously," he said. "This was not handled well, but let's hope it will come to a good end.

"It's an occasion for enjoyment but there were people's wishes that were not adhered to, let's hope that common sense will prevail and everybody can have a happy conclusion here."

Asked if he had planned on going, he said: "Well I had intentions of going, but obviously let's wait and see now."

Mr Kenny (63) had just competed in the 180km Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, his fifth consecutive year to complete the challenge. Once again he was flanked by Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan (61), and Minister of State for Training and Skills Ciaran Cannon. Mr Kenny's son Ferdia, who has now completed his first year at UCD studying architecture, also completed the route.

More than 9,400 people took part in this year's Ring of Kerry cycle, the biggest ever entry, raising over €1.2m for nine local charities.